Xzibit – At the Speed of Life

Xzibit, known by his birth name Alvin Joyner, made a name for himself in the West Coast hip-hop scene before becoming widely recognized as the host of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride.” His debut album, “At The Speed Of Life,” released in 1996 under Loud Records, showcases his early work before his connections with major figures like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. The album features production from Thayod Ausar, E-Swift, and DJ Muggs, among others, and highlights Xzibit’s lyrical prowess and unique voice in the rap world.

1. Grand Opening (Interlude): An instrumental opener that sets the stage for the album. Its presence is refreshing, steering clear of typical gangster-posturing intros.
2. At The Speed Of Life: A powerful and impressive introduction to Xzibit’s debut. The track exemplifies his raw talent and ability to command attention from the get-go.
3. Just Maintain (Feat Hurricane G & J-Ro): While the beat by E-Swift is more simplistic compared to Tha Liks’s work, Xzibit’s collaboration with J-Ro shines despite Hurricane G’s less appealing vocal contribution.
4. Eyes May Shine: This track features dark production that complements Xzibit’s gritty style. The remix with Mobb Deep is worth checking out, adding another layer of intensity.
5. Positively Negative (Feat King Tee): Xzibit’s chemistry with King Tee is evident, making this collaboration a highlight. Their synergy is a testament to Xzibit’s strong roots in the West Coast scene.
6. Don’t Hate Me (Interlude): An interlude that fits seamlessly into the album’s flow.
7. Paparazzi: The debut single that put Xzibit on the map. The clean version is particularly notable, as the powerful instrumental alone drives the track’s message without excessive profanity. It’s a standout debut single that remains impactful.
8. The Foundation: DJ Muggs provides a soulful piano-driven beat for Xzibit’s heartfelt message to his son. The track is genuine and touching, avoiding sappiness while delivering a powerful message.
9. Mrs. Crabtree (Interlude): Another interlude that maintains the album’s pace.
10. Bird’s Eye View (Feat J-Ro, Tash, & Hurricane G): Despite Hurricane G’s presence, Tash and J-Ro deliver strong performances over a subdued Diamond D beat. The track is enjoyable if you can overlook Hurricane G’s contribution.
11. Hit and Run (Part II) (Feat Ras Kass): Following up on a track from Tha Alkaholiks’s “Coast II Coast,” this song falls a bit flat, especially given the subject matter. Ras Kass’s brief appearance doesn’t add much to the track.
12. Carry the Weight (Feat J-Ro): A reflective track where Xzibit delves into his past. His storytelling ability shines, making it a solid addition to the album.
13. Plastic Surgery (Feat Ras Kass & Saafir): Featuring members of the supergroup Golden State Warriors, this track picks up significantly with Ras Kass’s verse, tying the whole song together and elevating its quality.
14. Enemies & Friends: A decent track that doesn’t quite reach the heights of the album’s best moments.
15. Last Words (Outro): An instrumental outro that closes the album on a mellow note.

Final Thoughts: “At The Speed Of Life” stands out as one of the better debut albums in hip-hop. Xzibit’s ties with Tha Alkaholiks are clear, influencing his focus on more positive and fun themes rather than typical gangsta rap tropes. The album’s East Coast-influenced beats offer a refreshing contrast to the prevalent G-Funk sound of the time. Xzibit’s ability to hold listeners’ attention throughout the album, whether solo or alongside guests, showcases his versatility and promise as an artist.

Buy or Burn?: Despite the goofy cover art, “At The Speed Of Life” is a must-buy. It surprised many back in 1996 and remains a strong, enjoyable listen.

Best Tracks: “Paparazzi,” “Eyes May Shine,” “At The Speed Of Life,” “Plastic Surgery,” “The Foundation.”